Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci from whiptails of the genus Aspidoscelis (Teiidae: Squamata) and related cnemidophorine lizards

We describe polymerase chain reaction primers and amplification conditions for 13 microsatellite DNA loci isolated from two bisexual species of whiptail lizards Aspidoscelis costata huico and Aspidoscelis inornata. Primers were tested on either 16 or 48 individuals of A. c. huico and/or 26 individuals of A. inornata. Ten of the 13 primers were also tested against a panel of 31 additional whiptail taxa. We detected three to nine alleles per locus in A. c. huico and four to 19 alleles per locus in A. inornata, with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.60 to 0.87 and from 0.15 to 1.00, respectively. These primers will be an important resource for surveys of genetic variation in these lizards.     

Novel nuclear intron-spanning primers for Arecaceae evolutionary biology

In this study, 96 nuclear 'conserved intron-scanning primers' were screened across subfamilies the Arecaceae (palms) for potential use in research focused on palm evolutionary biology. Primers were evaluated based on their ability to amplify single polymerase chain reaction products in Arecaceae, the clarity of sequencing reads, and the interspecific variability observed. Ultimately, the results suggest that: (i) seven of the loci are likely to be suitable when comparing non-Arecaceae outgroups and Arecaceae ingroups; (ii) seven loci may be of use when comparing subfamilies of Arecaceae; and (iii) four of the loci may be of use when comparing closely related genera.     

Group-specific primers for DNA-based detection of springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) within predator gut contents

Group‐specific, degenerate polymerase chain reaction primers for DNA‐based detection of springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) within predator gut contents have been developed for the first time. Primers were designed from 18S rDNA and amplified fragments of 272 bp and 177 bp from 17 springtail species collected in agricultural habitats. Specificity tests against 41 nontarget species revealed no cross‐reactivity. Group‐specific polymerase chain reaction is advantageous when working in species‐rich habitats and these primers could facilitate studies of trophic links between springtails and generalist arthropod predators worldwide.     

Development of nine microsatellite markers for Pomacentrus amboinensis

The relatively long pelagic larval duration of Pomacentrus amboinensis, a tropical fish, suggests the potential for long-distance dispersal; however, several nongenetic studies have found substantial self-recruitment at one location. To analyse patterns of connectivity of this species, primers for nine independent microsatellite loci were developed for P. amboinensis using a magnetic bead enrichment protocol. Twenty individuals from one location were analysed and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.7 to 0.95. Eight of nine loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and no evidence of linkage or null alleles were found.     

Novel microsatellite markers for the saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow, Ammodramus caudacutus (Aves: Passeriformes)

We have developed eight high-quality microsatellite DNA loci for the saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow and one additional locus with evidence of null alleles. In a sample of 250-350 individuals, the average number of alleles per locus was 14.7 and average observed heterozygosity was 0.80. These loci were tested in three additional species of emberizid sparrows, indicating that more than half of the loci could be useful in other sparrows.     

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis: New primers for identification using polymerase chain reaction

The objective of this study was to develop specific primers for Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis species identification using PCR. The designed primers (LBF1 and LBR1) were evaluated for sensitivity and specificity using various L. (V.) braziliensis serodemes and various Leishmania species and also using Trypanosoma cruzi. A specific fragment of 536 bp was detected from 50 ng of DNA in a crude extract derived from L. (V.) braziliensis. The DNA fragment was not detected when DNA from other Leishmania species or from T. cruzi was used as template in the PCR. Furthermore, when tested with DNA from cutaneous leishmaniasis the designed primers and reaction gave positive results. Taking into consideration that the primers LBF1 and LBR1 could specifically identify L. (V.) braziliensis, they could be considered for use in L. (V.) braziliensis diagnosis and epidemiological studies.     

对5个S180克隆细胞株RAPD特征的研究

目的运用随机扩增多态性DNA(RAPD)技术建立S180的5个克隆细胞株的特异性图谱。方法运用23条引物对S180-S2D9、S180-S2D7、S180-S1F11、S180-S1H10、S180-S1B115个克隆细胞株的基因组DNA进行RAPD-PCR扩增,以琼脂糖电泳观察结果。结果筛选出3条在各克隆株扩增产物间有差异的引物。结论5个S180克隆细胞株的RAPD特征有明显区别。     

一种利用Taq酶快速标记DNA探针的方法

目的：探索低成本、高效、快速的DNA探针标记方法。方法：以特定引物和16nler的随机引物作为延伸引物,利用Taq酶标记DNA探针。以大肠杆菌Klenow片断随机引物延伸标记法作为对照。点杂交方法检测探针标记效果。结果与结论：Taq酶标记法和大肠杆菌Klenow片段随机引物延伸标记法同样有较好的标记效果,且随机引物或特定引物作为延伸引物均可以合成足够有效的探针。Taq酶标记法是一种低成本、高效、快速的DNA探针标记方法。     

Characterization of microsatellite loci from the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica

The Japenese eel, Anguilla japonica, is generally assumed to be composed of a single population with wide distribution range, and some genetic studies using allozyme or mitochondrial DNA methods supported this population model. However, one genetic study suggested the existence of multiple populations in this species, and thus, more detailed studies on the population structure is needed. Here we characterized a total of 11 microsatellite markers of the Japanese eel. These will serve as powerful tools for detailed population study for the Japanese eel, though two of them showed the significant departure from the Hardy–Weinberg expectations.